Sanabel will be holding its Fifth Annual Conference, “Advancing Arab Microfinance: Greater Social Impact through Inclusive Financial Systems”, from May 6th – 8th 2008 in Tunisia under the high patronage of his Excellency Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the President of the Republic of Tunisia. Sanabel’s conference will be preceded on May 5th by the one-day conference, “Microfinance in the Mediterranean: What’s the Impact?” which is being jointly organized by Sanabel and the European Investment Bank (EIB), focusing on the social and financial impacts of regional microfinance.

In a relaxing setting on the Mediterrean Sea, Sanabel’s 5th Annual Conference will be the largest gathering of microfinance professionals and stakeholders in the region. Distinguished international and regional experts will share their insights about the latest developments in the sector and their implications for the Arab world. In addition practitioners and participants will examine the successes and challenges faced by Arab microfinance institutions as they mature institutionally, diversify their products, reach new markets, access new sources of funding, and contemplate transformation while upholding and fulfilling their social mission.
In addition to plenary and break-out sessions, the conference program includes:

• Financing Networking: meet potential funders and learn about the region’s most exciting investment opportunities
• 2008 Regional Microentrepreneur Awards: witness Sanabel’s fifth award ceremony, which showcases the best microentrepreneurs in the Arab region
• Microentrepreneur Souk: purchase products from various microentrepreneurs in the region at the conference’s very own souk (market)
• Exhibition: see the latest microfinance-related products and services
• Networking Opportunities: connect personally and professionally with friends and colleagues from around the region
• Field Visits: tour branches of one of Tunisia’s leading microfinance institutions around Greater Tunis
• Day and Add-on Trips: arrange to tour Tunisia before or after the conference while their accompanying visitors can also enjoy visiting Tunisia’s sites during the conference.

Conference Sponsors: